107 not out

Press, 28 February 1980, Page 6

107 not out

Although she no longer wears the latest fashions or dances the twist, Mrs Anges Lucy Whitworth, aged 107, is definitely “with it,” according to those who know her. She celebrated her 107th birthday yesterday at Coronation Hospital, surrounded by her family. Two of her three sons, Messrs Arnold and Roy Whitworth, were present, and so were her two daughters-in-law. One of the nurses had baked her a chocolate cake (her favourite) and her relatives enjoyed a cup of tea while Mrs Whitworth was read birthday greeting cards from her friends. Mrs Whitworth smiied, e.nd said how nice it all was. The ward sister, Mrs J. Shimmin, said that Mrs Whitworth had a lovely disposition, always asked what the weather was like, remembered small things about the nurses’ families, and got up every day to listen to other people talking. In winter, she enjoyed e, big fire in the hospital lounge. Mrs Whitworth and her husband, Mr Walter Whitworth arrived in Christchurch from Britain in 1906. They owned a jeweller’s shop in Colombo Street. Mr Whitworth died in 1941, and Mrs Whitworth went to live with her son, Mr Stanley Whitworth, and her daughter-in-law. She rode a bicycle about Christchurch until she was 86, then her sons took it from her because they thought it was too dangerous. But Mrs Whitworth did not give up exercise; she went to old-time dancing until she we.s 92. At 101, she broke her hip and went to hospital. Since then, she has been living at Coronation Hospital.